When you’re setting up or checking a CCTV system, one question often pops up: do security cameras have audio? You might assume it’s all about video, but many modern cameras also include built-in microphones—and that raises some important questions.
Can your camera hear what’s going on? Can you record conversations legally? And how do you even tell if your system has audio? In this guide, we’ll walk you through how audio works in security cameras, how to tell if yours records sound, and what UK law says about using audio legally.
Do Home Security Cameras Have Audio?
If you’re asking, do most security cameras have audio, the answer is usually a yes for modern setups. Today’s network-connected (IP) cameras often come with built-in microphones as part of the package. This can add valuable context, helping you understand what’s happening beyond the visuals alone.
Older analogue CCTV systems, on the other hand, typically only capture video. If you want to add audio to those, you’d usually need to connect a separate microphone directly to the recorder.
Types of Audio Features
To dive deeper, there are different types of audio features in modern security cameras:
- One-Way (Listen-In) Audio: This basic function captures sound alongside video, picking up ambient noise or conversations within range. You can choose to disable the mic if you don’t need it or if recording audio isn’t legally allowed.
- Two-Way Audio: Now common in mid-to-high-end models, this lets you speak through the camera using your phone or monitor—like an intercom. It’s especially handy for talking to visitors at the door, guiding delivery drivers, or warning off intruders.
- Sound-Triggered Recording & Alerts: Some advanced systems use sound as a trigger for video recording—helpful if something happens just before motion detection kicks in. They can also send alerts if noise passes a certain volume threshold, like the sound of glass breaking.
Audio Quality and Range
While the answer to "Do outdoor security cameras have audio?" is often a yes now, the audio range on most built-in mics is fairly limited. They typically pick up clear speech within about six metres, though that can drop off quickly with softer sounds. Wind and background noise can degrade clarity outdoors notably, unless the camera uses digital noise reduction.
How to Tell If Security Cameras Have Audio?
Not sure whether a camera can record sound? Here are some simple, practical ways to find out:
Look for Microphone or Speaker Openings
Check the camera closely. A small pinhole near the lens might be a microphone, while a set of tiny holes (often in a grille pattern) could be a speaker. These features suggest the camera supports audio.
Use the App or Viewing Software
If the camera is yours, open the mobile app or web interface. Look for an audio toggle, mic icon, or volume slider. You can also play back recorded footage—if you hear sound, the mic is active.
Search the Model Number
Check the label on the camera housing or packaging for a model number. A quick online search will usually tell you whether the camera has features like “built-in microphone,” “audio input,” or “two-way audio.”
Want to install a security camera that delivers clear two-way chat? These two eufy models are worth keeping on your list:
The eufyCam S3 Pro uses a dual-mic array with AI noise reduction, so you can hold a natural conversation with someone up to about eight metres away without wind or traffic drowning you out.
Alongside the smooth audio you get sharp 4K capture and MaxColor Vision night-time colour, so faces and licence plates stay readable after dark. A built-in solar panel tops up the large internal battery, while radar-plus-PIR motion sensing cuts back on false alerts from swaying branches.
The eufyCam S330 offers the same full-duplex talk through its integrated mic and speaker, keeping voices intelligible on both ends of the link. Video is recorded in crisp 4K, the on-board solar panel keeps the battery topped up, and footage is stored locally on 16 GB of eMMC that you can expand to a hefty 16 TB if you ever need it. BionicMind AI running on HomeBase recognises familiar faces to filter notifications, and the IP67 housing shrugs off rain, dust and winter chills with ease.
Check the Wiring
Analogue cameras that record audio typically have extra wiring—like RCA connectors (often red and white) or a separate two-wire audio cable. Networked cameras may have a single Ethernet cable, but some also include an extra jack for audio input. Either setup suggests the system supports sound.
Is It Legal to Record Audio on CCTV in the UK?
Recording audio on CCTV isn’t illegal in the UK, but it’s heavily restricted. Without a clear reason, recording sound can put you in breach of UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and even the Human Rights Act.
That’s exactly what happened in a 2021 county court case, where a homeowner was found to have unlawfully invaded a neighbour’s privacy using cameras with always-on audio.
Let’s break down what you need to know.
👉Related Reading: Can My Neighbour Have CCTV Pointing at My House in the UK?
Audio = Personal Data, so UK GDPR Rules Apply
Voices identify living people, so they are personal data under UK GDPR and DPA 2018. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business, you’ll need a lawful reason to collect that data—usually “legitimate interests” for private users.
You’ll also have to follow the core data protection principles: use the data only for a clear, limited purpose, keep it secure, and don’t hold onto it longer than needed.
Strong Legal Preference Against Recording Conversations in Public
UK guidance is clear: recording conversations in public spaces is rarely justifiable. The Home Office’s Surveillance Camera Code of Practice calls it “highly intrusive” and says it needs a “strong justification of necessity”.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) takes a similar line. If your system captures audio continuously, you’ll need a much stronger justification, and by default, the mic should be off.
👉Related Reading: CCTV Laws & Regulations in the UK
Domestic Use vs Public-Facing Cameras
If your cameras only cover your own private space—say, your living room or back garden—then the household exemption applies. It’s allowed as long as the recordings are for personal use and not shared.
But the moment your camera (or mic) reaches a public pavement, a neighbour’s property, or shared spaces like a car park, full data protection rules kick in.
That means you’ll need to be fully transparent, display signage, allow access to recordings if someone requests it, and justify everything with proper documentation.
Audio in Workplaces and Commercial Settings
If you’re thinking about using audio in a workplace—such as a shop, warehouse or office—be extra careful. According to ICO guidance, monitoring staff with audio is only likely to be lawful in exceptional cases.
You’ll need to:
- Carry out a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)
- Limit audio to very specific high-risk areas
- Clearly inform staff and visitors that audio is being recorded
Continuous or blanket audio recording is very unlikely to hold up legally.
Be Transparent and Use Clear Signage
Transparency isn’t optional. Both the ICO and the Surveillance Camera Code require you to display clear signs that explain audio and video are being recorded, who’s responsible, and why. The signs should be easy to see before anyone enters the monitored area.
Keep It Necessary, Proportionate and Limited
Even if you have a reason to record audio, you should minimise how and when you do it. Follow these best practices:
- Mute or disable microphones when not needed
- Use event-based audio(e.g. triggered by motion) or push-to-talk instead of continuous recording
- Encrypt and secure recordings
- Delete recordings promptly when they’re no longer needed
- Review your setup regularly to make sure audio is still justified
Conclusion
So—do security cameras have audio? As we’ve learned, modern security cameras increasingly include built-in microphones and two-way talk, while legacy analogue CCTV rarely records sound.
That said, whether you should be recording audio is another matter entirely. If you’re using CCTV in a public-facing space or shared environment, make sure you’re clear and transparent about what your system records. When in doubt, stick to video-only or get proper legal advice before enabling audio.
FAQs
How do you know if a security camera has audio?
Check for a pinhole microphone near the lens or review the product specs for terms like “built-in mic” or “two-way audio.” Additionally, accessing the camera’s app or software settings may reveal audio options. If a camera supports live voice or talkback features, it includes both a mic and speaker.
Do normal security cameras have audio?
Not all security cameras come with audio capabilities. Many standard CCTV systems focus solely on video recording. However, modern IP cameras and smart home security devices often include built-in microphones or support “two-way audio” features. It’s essential to check the camera’s specifications to determine if it can record sound.
Can my neighbour have audio on CCTV?
Yes, but only under strict legal conditions. If their camera records conversations outside their property, such as on the pavement or into your garden, they must comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. This includes having a legitimate reason for recording, informing you through clear signage, and ensuring the data is stored securely. If you believe your privacy is being infringed upon, you can raise the issue with your neighbour or contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for guidance.
Can I talk through my security camera?
Yes, if your security camera supports two-way audio. Many modern smart cameras, such as those from eufy, allow users to communicate through the camera using a connected app. This feature lets you speak to visitors or deter intruders remotely. To use this function, open the camera’s app, access the live feed, and press the microphone icon to start speaking.
